CHULA VISTA  The city has seen its fair share of recognition in the past four years.

In 2009, the Bonita Valley Girls’ Softball team won the 12U nationals, and in 2012, Chula Vista native Jessica Sanchez showed the world that Chula Vista has great talent.

Oh yes, and Park View Little League won the Little League World Series in 2009.

There’s just something about a favorite American pastime that generates a sense of community pride.

A dozen 12-year-olds on the 2013 Chula Vista Eastlake Little League team have become mini celebrities this month, signing autographs for fans and carrying with them the motto “find a way.”

The boys did just that on Wednesday in South Williamsport, Pa., when they pulled out a 6-3 victory against the New England regional champs from Westport, Conn.

But even before the team found the national spotlight, support in Chula Vista was spreading like wild fire.

“It’s good for our community,” Mayor Cheryl Cox said. “There’s a lot of good energy.”

Individuals, families and businesses have held fundraisers and rallies all over the city.

After traveling to San Bernardino for the Western regional tournament, Eastlake Little League mom Cathleen Romero organized a “Home Run Derby” fundraiser where hats, T-shirts, raffle tickets and other items were sold to help offset World Series costs to families.

“My expectations were completely blown away by the support,” Romero said. “All of the merchandise was sold.”

On Wednesday, hundreds gathered at Eastlake Tavern & Bowl to watch the game.

Dan Hurd, the establishment’s owner, said the restaurant and bar has supported the community since opening in 2009.

But as far as Eastlake Little League, “Tavern became a good-luck charm early on,” Hurd said. “They’d come in with their families and eat here after games. We’re honored to support Eastlake Little League.”

Even 10-year-old Natalia Osorio makes and sells bracelets for the league, taking a break from saving for college to support the hometown heroes.

Denise Stephens, past president of Eastlake Little League, said that up until the trip to South Williamsport, families paid for everything on their own.

“Gas, hotels, food. It adds up,” she said.

Sandra Bishop and Tanya Tomlinson printed yard signs and decals using their own money and sold them door to door.

Tomlinson has two boys in the league and says fundraising provides an opportunity to bond. Even leading up to the World Series, neighbors were having potlucks after practice.

“You get to see people you haven’t seen in a while and reconnect with them,” she said.

Bishop said the events also represents a life lesson.

“It’s important for our kids to have a sense of family and community,” she said. “Everybody’s just so proud of them.”

League mom Kim Piancone and son Michael, 12, began baking pizzas on Fridays nights to sell in the neighborhood and decided to fundraise, providing $300 for the league.

“It has truly, truly brought our community together, and everyone is on cloud nine,” Piancone said.

Established in 1998 and responsible for 100 percent of field maintenance, the league had 45 teams with 575 players this spring season.

While the Chula Vista team in the World Series has its roots in Eastlake, support has come from throughout the city, state and even across the country, Stephens said.

“We’re all interlinked, and the common link is Eastlake Little League,” she said. “It’s nationwide. That’s who’s rooting for us.”

Eastlake plays at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, with the winner going to the World Series title game at noon Sunday.